Thebe partners with Dubai investor to acquire Gourmet Fresh

Thebe Investment Corporation (“Thebe”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a partnership with global logistics supplier Mohebi Logistics (“Mohebi”) that has resulted in both companies acquiring 80% equity interest in Gourmet Fresh (Pty) Limited (“Gourmet Fresh”).

The transaction is subject to the pending finalisation of the Competition Commission’s approval processes.

Thebe will through the partnership with Mohebi, a Dubai-based company, gain entry into the FMCG logistics industry, providing a platform from which the group can expand its presence in the logistics/distribution space in African, Middle East, and Asia.

Thebe and Mohebi acquired Compass SA’s 70% interest in Gourmet Fresh and a further 10% interest from Mr Brian Kusel and Mr David Kievet, both directors of Gourmet Fresh.

“This acquisition is in line with Thebe’s strategy of identifying suitable businesses and platforms in the food distribution and logistics sector. It allows us to enter the growing South African transport and logistics market and establish a base from which we can grow our logistics business in Africa” says Mr Jerry Mabena, CEO of Thebe’s Services Division.

Gourmet Fresh was established in 2005 by Mr Kusel, who is also the current managing director, with the objective of distributing fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) exclusively to Compass SA. As a food distribution and logistics business, Gourmet Fresh will work its shareholders to grow its footprint in Africa.

Gourmet Fresh conducts the business of, inter alia, procurement, warehousing, sale and distribution of salads, fruit and vegetables, dry groceries, chilled products, cleaning materials, and a wide variety of consumables and kitchen utensils.

Its main customer is Compass SA and supplies to 357 Compass SA contracts nationally. Gourmet Fresh also services a few export contracts. Currently the business has six depots that service Compass SA’s businesses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Skukuza, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Bloemfontein.

“The key to a prosperous economy is the efficient movement of goods and services. Africa’s time in now, we have witnessed good growth in economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. We see this as a great opportunity to partner with a company like Thebe Investment Corporation to contribute in the building these economies through our skills in logistics,” said Mr. Mohamed Mohebi, Chairman & CEO of Mohebi. Investments.